Editor’s Note
by Nabil Haskanbancha, in Bangkok
In the 4th issue of the Mekong Belt, our correspondents highlight stories relating to human rights, humanitarian aid, public health, and the creative economy. The attempted murder of a Lao activist in France has sparked heated debate about freedom of expression and the safety of political dissidents. Similar cases in the past, including assaults and attempted assassinations, have come to light and raised public concern. In Cambodia, newly reported cases of bird flu triggered regional fears, prompting health officials to revisit strategies for containing the outbreak. Will the lessons we learned from covid help here? Meanwhile, Thailand continues to promote “soft power” initiatives by funding creative projects and supporting artists to boost the economy. However, some rural groups find it difficult to access government funds, leading to discussions about public bureaucracy and its impact on cultural preservation of minorities. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar continues to impact innocent civilians, with NGOs calling for stronger action, including boycotting businesses affiliated with the junta and greater aid distribution across affected areas.
Lao PDR 🇱🇦
The Lao Regime’s Expanding Campaign Against Dissidents
by Alex Measor
On June 14, an exiled Lao activist, Joseph Akaravong, was stabbed three times in the throat and torso in France while walking with Houayheuang “Muay” Xayabouly, another Lao human rights activist. French police have arrested four suspects and the investigation is ongoing.
Akaravong later confirmed the attack in a Facebook live video, and also identified Muay, who was visiting him in France, as his companion at the time. She was recently released from a five-year prison sentence for criticizing the government’s delayed rescue efforts during the 2018 flood.
This is the first known attempted assassination of a Lao dissident in European soil, distinct from past extrajudicial actions that occurred within the Mekong region. Human rights group Manushya Foundation described the attack as an example of “transnational repression”.
Akaravong is one of the most prominent activists from Laos. In a country of 7.5 million, where only about 60 percent of total population has regular internet access, he has accumulated more than 600,000 followers on Facebook. He rose to prominence after exposing the catastrophic collapse of the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy dam in 2018. He then fled the country and was granted political asylum in France in 2022. He has since become a vital channel for sharing reports of local abuses and grievances, often submitted anonymously by local citizens.
This latest incident echoes the longstanding pattern of enforced disappearances. In 2012, award-winning community activist and civil society leader Sombath Somphone disappeared in Vientiane after being stopped by police and has never appeared again. In 2019, Od Sayavong, founder of Free Laos based in Bangkok, also went missing. In 2023, a 25-year-old activist Anousa “Jack” Luangsuphom was shot in a café in Vientiane but fortunately survived.
International pressure has yielded limited impact. Every five years, the United Nations Human Rights Council reviews the rights record of all member states through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Laos' latest review in 2025 showed little progress. Other countries urged Laos to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and to investigate unresolved cases in the past.
The Lao government insists that it’s making progress on human rights, emphasizing that continued economic development will lead to further improvements. However, many experts argue that the current model of economic growth has failed to protect the most vulnerable. If Laos is to improve its human rights record, it must increase transparency, strengthen the documentation of rights violations, and establish internal legal mechanisms that hold perpetrators accountable through a robust judicial system.
Alex is an external contributor writing this week’s piece on Lao PDR.
Myanmar 🇲🇲
Indirect Actions and Lasting Impacts on Myanmar's Resistance
by May
The efforts of the citizens of Myanmar alone will not be enough to pave the way for the country's democratic path, and international support is crucial for a promising future. Although indirect forms of support may appear less impactful than direct ones, they are just as vital for long-term progress.
A recent example is European Aerospace Company Airbus's decision to cut ties with AviChina, a Chinese state-owned aviation manufacturer with ties to the Myanmar military. As China remains Myanmar’s primary trade partner for arms, military technology, and training equipment, AviChina provides aircraft that would carry out aerial attacks on civilian areas. Airbus held a 5% stake in AviChina as of last year, making it the only international investor in the firm. A campaign supported by 361 advocacy organizations pressured Airbus to break off financial ties with the Chinese aviation company that directly contributes to aerial attacks in Myanmar. Soe Moe Aung, founder of the S&C Assistance Group, stated that these types of sanctions are crucial for stopping the violence on the ground.
In the digital space, initiatives are driving change by demanding greater accountability from platforms such as Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Telegram. Since the 2021 coup d’état, Myanmar activists have sought to expose how the junta uses social media to spread propaganda and misinformation. Among the social media platforms, Meta (Facebook) has been the most widely used in Myanmar, where false information has incited violence in the past. Myanmar activists, therefore, request that Meta refrain from promoting election content organized by the military administration, as the information is likely to be misrepresented. Meta has removed accounts and content affiliated with the military; however, advocates continue to push for the removal of violent or threatening content, as well as pro-military accounts, on TikTok and Telegram. Additionally, US-based organizations like Human Rights Watch, the International Rescue Committee, and the Refugee Council USA monitor for any anomalies and promote transparency through data and information online.
Meanwhile, the Five-Point Consensus remains ASEAN’s formal position, but its relevance is steadily diminishing amid the rise of “parallel diplomacy”, a response to the bloc’s ineffectiveness that the junta has exploited by selectively engaging with like-minded states to reinforce its legitimacy.
At the same time, voices like that of Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA, remind us that Myanmar’s democratic struggle resonates far beyond its borders. For both the institute and Dr. Casas-Zamora personally, it has been a responsibility to continuously urge the international community to remain engaged and committed to supporting the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy, helping raise global awareness about the dire humanitarian crisis.
Indirect initiatives such as targeted sanctions, digital advocacy campaigns, and international civil society efforts have provided tremendous support for Myanmar's resistance. Sanctions contribute to fewer airstrikes, and digital advocacy campaigns promote transparency; international organizations amplify individual voices, helping them reach global audiences. These elements of support might not seem significantly impactful, but they're crucial for long-term progress towards a better future. Myanmar’s resistance may be local, but the responsibility to uphold democracy is shared, and the time to act in its defense is now.
May has previously worked in the editorial department at a media group in Myanmar. She also has experience in film and photography, and engages with people-centered stories through her travels and creative work.
Cambodia 🇰🇭
Cambodia Reports 7th Bird Flu Case, the Only ASEAN Country Affected in 2025
by Chandara Samban, in Kandal
Cambodia has reported its 7th human case of Bird Flu or Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in 2025, making it the only ASEAN member state affected with infections so far this year. While it remains primarily an animal-to-human infection, medical experts warn that the risk of mutation could increase human-to-human transmission.
On June 24, the Ministry of Health of Cambodia confirmed one case involving a 41-year-old woman from Siem Reap province. She had reportedly tested positive for H5N1 after physically touching sick and dead birds 5 days before showing symptoms. She is currently receiving intensive care at a local hospital. The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to remain alert. Citizens who develop flu-like symptoms, especially within 14 days after coming into contact with sick or dead birds, are advised to avoid public gatherings and seek medical attention immediately.
Dr. Ly Sovann, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Health, told TAF that Cambodia has seen a resurgence of bird flu cases since 2023, following years of decline. He attributed the reemergence to wild birds transmitting the virus to domestic birds, which then spread it to humans. He noted that the WHO has commended Cambodia's disease surveillance system for its effectiveness in early detection. While neighboring countries have not officially reported recent cases, he cautioned that the virus may still be present, given the migratory nature of wild birds across borders.
Dr. Sovann also warned of the potential risk of human-to-human transmission if the H5N1 virus mutates, similar to the mutation of H1N1 in 2009 and the outbreak of COVID-19. He added that Cambodia has procured the necessary medicines and technical equipment to ensure rapid treatment. A dedicated response team is also in place to monitor reports from the public. Additionally, Cambodia has notified ASEAN member states to remain vigilant and prepared.
In 2025, no other ASEAN member state has reported bird flu infections. However, Thailand’s health authorities have increased monitoring along the border with Cambodia, urging caution over potential cross-border spread. Dr. Nut Sambath, head of the Institute of Medical, Biological and Agricultural Sciences at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told TAF that while the number of cases has increased slightly, it has not reached an alarming level. He expressed confidence in Cambodia’s capacity to manage the outbreak.
“The risk rises when people handle sick birds or eat infected meat without precautions”, Dr. Sambath said. “We must bury dead animals properly and follow hygiene protocols like wearing gloves, using masks, and washing hands with soap and water”.
Mac Scott, a global health expert of The Borgen Project in the U.S., urged the Cambodian government to expand health education efforts in rural communities to prevent further infections and improve long-term preparedness. Cambodia’s handling of the bird flu serves as a reminder for the rest of the ASEAN countries to be prepared, much like the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 reminded the world, ASEAN must take proactive measures to build regional resilience against future disease outbreaks.
Chandara is a freelance journalist with a focus on foreign affairs, security issues, and ASEAN affairs. He also serves as a Junior Counterterrorism Intelligence Analyst.
Thailand 🇹🇭
From Lanna to Bangkok, to the World
by Natamon Aumphin, in Bangkok
The Thai nation-building process, which began in the 19th century, attempted to unify different ethnic groups and regions in the country; however, the assimilation process came at the cost of the freedom of self-expression, as central policies restricted region-specific practices, traditions, and languages. Efforts to enforce cultural homogeneity are also evident in the mainstream educational system, where there is little emphasis on the histories of Thailand’s various ethnicities. In addition, global trends, social media, and the resulting lifestyle changes have further disconnected the youth from their cultural roots. Minority groups face a significant risk of losing their cultural heritage, with little attention given to preserving their histories, local knowledge, and traditional craftsmanship.
To help preserve Thailand's rich diversity, government-led initiatives aim to raise public awareness and empower minority groups through business opportunities. Recently, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an initiative called “From Local to Global”, as part of its broader efforts to advance proactive diplomacy. It aims to boost Thailand’s presence and reputation globally by promoting local products and craftsmanship on the international stage. To understand the impact of "From Local to Global" in supporting local businesses and preserving cultural heritage, I interviewed Creative Lanna, a project launched by Chiang Mai University to encourage young generations to preserve Lanna traditions while adding a modern twist.
Lanna refers to the people of Northern Thailand who share a distinct cultural identity shaped by the former Lanna Kingdom, with their own language, customs, and way of life. Led by Dr. Ekkachai Mahaek, Creative Lanna serves as a space for the community, locals, and students to take their first steps in entrepreneurship, utilizing their unique identity as Lanna people to transform their way of life into tangible, culturally rooted crafts. Dr. Mahaek defined Lanna as a living style of the Northern people, and has demonstrated their customs by providing a space for local artisans and young local entrepreneurs to collaborate creatively as a way to preserve and continue their customs and wisdom. This is reflected in over a hundred products, ranging from perfume, capturing lingering scents of the North, to sculptures incorporating religion and functionality for everyday use.
Yet, although the initiative is partially supported by the government, the majority of the funding still comes from the university itself. As much as Dr. Mahaek desired more funding opportunities from the government, he underlined that they needed to illustrate that their project aligns with the government’s overarching strategy to secure funding. This is more difficult than it seems, especially as Thailand has yet to prioritize and strategize its creative economy, particularly when compared to other countries like Japan. Hence, partnering with Siam Piwat to showcase their products at ICON CRAFT, a retail space in Bangkok dedicated to promoting Thai craftsmanship, is one way these small entrepreneurs can test the market and gain visibility. However, similar local initiatives in other regions still lack sufficient government support. Expanding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ existing “From Local to Global” initiative to include these efforts is necessary and could offer long-term benefits for local communities and artisans nationwide.
Natamon has served as a rapporteur at the Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS Thailand). She has also worked as a research assistant on diplomatic issues in Southeast Asia. Her work focuses on how domestic politics shape foreign policy in the region. She holds a degree in international relations and has experience in policy analysis, event reporting, and regional research.
Editorial Deadline 27/06/2025 11:59 PM (UTC +8)
